EMC Takes Over New Albany, Ind., Storm Water Utility

Environmental Management Corp. (EMC) has taken control of the New Albany, Ind., storm water drainage utility, as a court-imposed delay on its contract expired yesterday, according to an EMC official.

The city council's lawsuit over the three-year, $1.5 million contract continues. Council members have argued that the contract should have been opened for competitive bidding before it was awarded to EMC on July 20.

"Our plans are to go forward because the board approved the contract," said Tim Crawford, EMC area manager, in reference to a three-member city panel. "We're prepared to assume the responsibilities of the utility."

Mayor James Garner, acting president of the local storm water board, said, "EMC does have a valid contract from the storm water board."

The board's three members resigned in mid-August after city council members began taking legal action regarding the contract. The execution of the contract meant New Albany must find a new way to pay four drainage employees who did not accept job offers with EMC. Garner said it was not yet clear whether layoffs would be necessary, but added that if they are, former drainage employees could bump lower ranked union colleagues from their jobs. "They're all going to stay working for the city," he said.

Source: The News and Tribune